Aloha! For this week’s Travel Tuesday feature we got together with Crooks & Castles Hawaii graphic designer Alex Wong. Alex has been designing the Crooks Hawaii Collection since the Hawaii Flagship opened it’s doors in 2010. Check out his ‘Top 5′ places to eat at in the Aloha State after the jump.

“Each of my top 5 cannot be compared to one another because they’re all amazing in their own right. A few you may know, and others are a little off the beaten path. These are my Top 5 eats in Hawaii.” – Alex Wong

1. Helena’s Hawaiian Food (1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817) – Hands down, the best Hawaiian food on the island. They’re best known for their pipikaula short ribs (dry-aged), but everything is great. The kalua pig, lomi salmon and butter fish are a few favorites, but honestly, try it all. There’s usually a line, so get down early.

2. Sushi Sasabune (1417 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96814) – One word – “Omakase.” Sit down and let the chef serve you the best of what he has to offer. Every dish melts in your mouth, leaving you fully satisfied.

3. The Whole Ox (327 Keawe St, Honolulu, HI 96813) – Nothing goes to waste! The Whole Ox utilizes the entire animal. All the meat and produce are locally produced. Their dry-aged burger is one of the best burgers around.

4. Beet Box Cafe (66-443 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712) – I stumbled upon this spot a while ago while in the North Shore, and now it’s a weekly visit. The fully vegetarian menu features all organic and locally grown items. I’m traditionally a carnivore, but they make vegetarian dishes exciting and flavorful.

5. Paalaa Kai Bakery (66-945 Kaukonahua R, Waialua, HI 96791) -This stop is not on the typical places to hit, but its well worth it. All the pastries are on point, but the “Snow Puffies” are a must! The snow puffy features layers of light, flaky puff pastry filled with custard, topped with chocolate and powdered sugar.